Western University joins planetary partners from around the globe this Saturday (September 6) in celebrating International Observe the Moon Night. 

An annual event, led by NASA, the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) and their international collaborators, is dedicated to increasing public awareness and interest in Earth’s Moon. 

Through International Observe the Moon Night events and activities, the Canadian Lunar Research Network (an international partner to SSERVI) and their partners, the Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX) and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC), and Western’s Department of Physics & Astronomy hope to engage amateur astronomers from across southern Ontario and advance a sense of wonderment and curiosity about our Moon. 

Western’s fifth annual International Observe the Moon Night, held at Cronyn Observatory from 4 to 10 p.m., is headlined by two leading North American lunar experts: Nicolle Zellner from the Department of Physics at Albion College (MI) will present a talk titled “How Do Impact Craters on the Moon Affect the Earth?” at 5:30 p.m. while Phil Stooke from Western’s Departments of Geography and Physics & Astronomy will deliver “Moon Profiles from Across the Solar System” at 6:15 p.m. 

A panel discussion follows at 7:15 p.m. and will feature:

Audrey Bouvier, Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair, Earth Sciences, Western
Matt Cross, Engineering Graduate Student (PhD), Western University
Phil Stooke, Associate Professor, Geography and Physics & Astronomy, Western
Peter Visscher, Space and Robotics Manager, Ontario Drive and Gear (ODG)
Nicolle Zellner, Department of Physics, Albion College, MI

Interactive displays include Lunar Rover prototypes provided by ODG and Western’s Faculty of Engineering, telescopes available for Moon observation and a number of hands-on activities for children. 

Free parking is available at the Alumni Hall parking lot (located between Alumni Hall and Cronyn Observatory).

MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Renaud, Senior Media Relations Officer, 519-661-2111, ext. 85165, jrenaud9@uwo.ca, @jeffrenaud99